Cryptome back up after Microsoft withdraws complaint

The popular Cryptome watchdog site is back online after Microsoft rescinded its take-down order under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Microsoft had taken out an injunction against the site earlier this month after it published a leaked copy of the company's Global Criminal Compliance Handbook, a 22-page dossier to law enforcement officials about the information it collects on users.

The software firm initially used a DMCA take-down order to shut Cryptome, but has now withdrawn its action.

"While Microsoft [believes] that the distribution of the file at that address infringes Microsoft's copyrights, it was not Microsoft's intention that the take-down request [should] result in the disablement of web access to the entire Cryptome.org web site," said Evan Cox, counsel to Microsoft.

"Accordingly, on behalf of Microsoft, I am hereby withdrawing the take-down request, and asking that Network Solutions restore internet access to Cryptome.org as soon as possible."

This is not the first time that Cryptome has run into legal difficulties. Yahoo sued the site last year after it posted a similar guide to law enforcement.